Approved Research

The association of healthy lifestyle factors with the risk of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

Lay summary

Aims: The benefits of healthy lifestyle are well established, but it is unclear whether these factors are associated with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. This research aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of a combination of modifiable, healthy lifestyle factors in the UK Biobank to identify the association of these factors with the rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. So that we can protect against common rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Scientific rationale: We will use the data from the UK Biobank to examine the risk of several musculoskeletal diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondylarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, gout, tendinopathy, and osteoporosis) associated with individual and combined lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, physical activity, and diet). Baseline lifestyle-related factors and covariate information will be based on interviewer-administered questionnaires and physical measurements. A simple low-risk lifestyle score was derived based on the number of low-risk lifestyle factors, ranging from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating a healthier lifestyle. To enable a phenome-wide investigation, we used ICD-10 codes to categorize musculoskeletal diseases.

Project duration: This project is expected to be completed in 36 months.

Public health impact: The potential public health impact that will come from this research will relate to an increased understanding of how simple lifestyle changes can create a lasting impact on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). We will be able to explain the potential improvements in health and outcomes that can be achieved from healthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, physical activity, and diet). It is hoped that our study will be educational and encourage people to adopt the healthy lifestyles.

Scope extension:

Question: Is a combination of healthy lifestyle factors associated with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases?

Proposed Expansion of Research Scope:

The scope of the research is to be expanded to investigate the influence of various chronic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and lifestyle choices (such as smoking, activity, loneliness, and social isolation) on the incidence and adverse prognosis of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. Specifically, the research will explore how these factors may contribute to the development of these conditions and how they can impact critical outcomes such as pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and severe infections. The objective is to understand the multifactorial etiology of these diseases and to identify potential interventions that could mitigate the risk of disease onset and progression, as well as reduce the likelihood of serious complications. This research will integrate a broader spectrum of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, encompassing both individual lifestyle choices and broader socio-environmental factors, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease morbidity and mortality.